Teen Programs

For our members ages 13 years and older, the Club has a dedicated Teen Center and Teen Programs Coordinator. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive environment for teens often making the choice between hanging out with friends on the streets or hanging out with friends at the Club. In addition to providing teen nights and dances, the programs encourage camaraderie, acceptance, safety and supportive staff. On an average day nearly 100 middle school and high school aged kids attend the Club.

Goals for Graduation
Goals for Graduation introduces academic goal setting to Club members by linking their future aspirations with concrete actions today. In goal-setting sessions with Club staff, members set achievable “Know-I-Can” goals, more challenging “Think-I-Can” goals, and yearly “Believe-I-Can” goals. Members create an action plan with daily and weekly goals leading to shortand
long-term gains. Successes are recognized at every step of their journey.

Money Matters
Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among teen members by building their basic money management skills. Group sessions center around information and activities in the Teen Personal Finance Guide — a fun, interactive booklet containing practical tips and activities to help teens learn the important skills of balancing a checkbook, creating a budget, saving, investing and paying for college.

Youth for Unity
The goal of Youth for Unity is to engage members in activities designed to promote diversity and combat prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. The program consists of activities to help teen members:
     1) appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals;
     2) understand our society’s diversity;
     3) recognize bias and unfairness; and
     4) take personal leadership in confronting bias.

Teen Volunteer Program
Members who are age 14 or older are encouraged to volunteer at the Club. In order to do so, they must apply and be “offered” a volunteer position. Teen volunteers help in program areas and with various projects at the Club. Wearing volunteer vests while they are on duty, teen volunteers help in many ways, including assisting staff in program areas, in the Kids Café and/or with sports events.